Barbastelle bats (Barbastella spp.) specialize in the predation of moths: implications for foraging tactics and conservation

摘要: The diet of barbastelle bats, Barbastella (b.) barbastellus and B. leucomelas, captured, respectively, in the Swiss Alps Kirghiz Tien Shian Pamir mountains (central Asia) was investigated through faecal analysis. Location hunting habitats data on foraging behaviour bats were obtained from radiotracking. In either area, ca. 99% prey by volume consisted Lepidoptera. regular occurrence one small arctiid species barbastelles, as well predominance (84%) tympanate moths among Lepidoptera sampled at sites suggest that could to a large extent smaller moths. Observations showed that, study barbastelles behaved typical aerialhawking bat species, although they hunted exclusively just above forest canopy. This aerial-hawking has seemingly evolved peculiar technique overcome defence system its probable prey. appears narrowest Palaearctic bats. Such specialization habits probably points higher vulnerability this compared other more flexible negative changes abundance moth populations. explain current rarity throughout most Europe.